Can Feline Uveitis Be Cured? - Uveitis in Cats

The uveal tract (or uvea) is a kind of vascular veil that acts as the main protective barrier of the eye. Among its functions, one of the most important is the participation in the production of aqueous humor, which is responsible for lubricating the eyeball. Its structure includes a posterior portion, formed by the choroids, and an anterior portion that includes the ciliary bodies and the iris. In this way, it forms an immune barrier to protect the main internal components of the eye.

Due to its delicate vascular structure, the uvea is very vulnerable to internal and external pathological agents to the body. When the uveal tract is affected, it usually involves dysfunctions in the immunity of the eye, potentially leading to partial or complete loss of visual faculty. When this occurs, our cat can suffer from different cat eye diseases that affect them in different ways, but always threaten their vision.

Interestingly, the uvea's role in regulating intraocular pressure is crucial in maintaining overall eye health. Changes in this pressure can signal the onset of various ophthalmic conditions.

The term “uveitis” is applied by veterinary medicine to designate different inflammatory processes that occur in the uvea of felines and canines. Depending on the affected eye region, we have the following types of uveitis:

• Anterior uveitis: primarily affects the iris and/or the ciliary bodies.
• Intermediate uveitis: predominantly involves the posterior portion of the ciliary bodies.
• Posterior uveitis: mainly develops in the choroids.

As the boundaries between the components of the uveal tract are diffuse, it is common for the inflammation to spread and jointly affect different uveal structures. In more advanced or chronic cases, uveitis in cats can reach the retina and lead the animal to blindness. To learn more about this condition in canines, you can read our article on uveitis in dogs and other eye problems in dogs.

Additionally, some cases can also pose a risk to the overall immune system of the feline, making it more susceptible to other infections.

As we've previously mentioned, uveitis in cats is associated with endogenous and exogenous factors. Next, we will highlight the main causes of this pathology in domestic felines:

Endogenous causes

About 70% of uveitis cases in cats are caused by severe systemic pathologies, such as:

• FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
• FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or "Feline AIDS")
• FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus)
• Systemic mycoses
• Systemic toxoplasmosis

Many diagnoses of uveitis were made in cats with intraocular tumors, mainly in cases of melanoma of the iris. High blood pressure also appears as a risk factor for the development of uveitis, thrombosis, and intraocular hemorrhages.

Interestingly, recent studies have suggested that genetic predispositions might also play a role in the susceptibility of certain breeds to uveitis.

Exogenous causes

Exogenous causes of feline uveitis are almost always associated with street fights, accidents, or trauma to the eye. The wounds, perforations, cuts, and contusions derived from these phenomena can favor the appearance of uveitis.

It's important for cat owners to minimize risks by keeping their pets indoors or ensuring they live in a safe environment to prevent such injuries.

Feline uveitis is curable in acute cases where the cat was treated early on in the disorder. This is why it's very important to take our cat to the veterinarian to be properly diagnosed and treated as soon as we observe any symptoms or abnormalities in their behavior or appearance.

We must keep in mind that if not treated early on, our cat can suffer from loss of vision, or in the worst cases form blindness, which is unfortunately irreversible. Keep reading to learn more about the treatment of uveitis in cats.

In chronic cases, while complete recovery might not be possible, treatment can significantly improve the quality of life by managing symptoms effectively.

The specific treatment of feline uveitis will depend on the recognition of the cause of the pathology in each cat. The veterinarian will proceed appropriately to carry out a differential diagnosis and will then be able to prescribe the appropriate drugs to eliminate or control the progression of the pathogenic agents in each cat.

Normally, corticosteroid and non-corticosteroid anti-inflammatory eye drops are used to control and prevent the progression of uveitis. In some cases, methylprednisolone injections that are applied under the connective tissue are also recommended. If the animal is in moderate pain, analgesics may be recommended to improve its well-being. If the cat is traumatized and perforated, surgical intervention accompanied by controlled administration of antibiotics will likely be necessary.

It is worth remembering that AnimalWised articles are informative and in no way replace specialized care. The veterinarian is the only professional trained to diagnose and recommend an adequate treatment for our pets. So, if you see that your cat is showcasing any of the symptoms we previously mentioned, or any other abnormalities in their behavior or appearance, it's important that you take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible to be properly diagnosed and treated. This will vary from animal to animal as each case is different and, therefore, will need a different treatment.

Moreover, regular follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure the treatment is effective and to make any necessary adjustments. Adhering to the prescribed treatment plan can significantly influence the outcome and help prevent recurrence.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

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